JP2004261349A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope where the longitudinal-direction position and the rotational-direction position of a part projecting from the distal end face of the endoscope in a body to be inserted which is to be inserted to the conduit of the endoscope can be positioned. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope is provided with the conduit 120 for leading a pipe to be inserted 200 from a conduit port 124 formed on the distal end face of the endoscope. On the outside face of the distal end part 210 of the pipe to be inserted, a notch part 225 having a notch surface 228 for regulating a longitudinal direction and a notch surface 226 for regulating a rotating direction is formed. At the port 124 of the endoscope, an engaging part 125 having an engaging surface 128 for regulating the longitudinal direction and an engaging surface 126 for regulating the rotating direction is formed. When the body to be inserted is inserted to the conduit of the endoscope, the notch surface 228 of the notch part of the body to be inserted is abutted on the engaging surface 128 of the engaging part of the endoscope to regulate the longitudinal direction, and the notch surface 226 of the notch part of the body to be inserted is abutted on the engaging surface 126 of the engaging part of the endoscope to regulate the rotating direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medical endoscope, and more particularly, to an endoscope provided with a conduit through which an inserted object such as a treatment tool or a cleaning tube can be inserted.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For this type of endoscope, a plurality of conduits (channels) such as an air supply / water supply conduit and a suction conduit are provided over the distal end of the endoscope through an insertion section inserted from the operating section into the body, Some have a function of performing air supply, water supply, suction, and the like.
[0003]
However, as the number of conduits is increased in order to realize many functions in the endoscope, the diameter of the insertion portion of the endoscope increases. Even if the arrangement configuration of the contents such as a plurality of conduits and the wiring of the observation system is optimized, there is a limit in further reducing the diameter. On the other hand, if only one of the pipelines is provided and the functions are narrowed down, the usability becomes poor.
[0004]
For this reason, in order to cope with further reduction in diameter while realizing multiple functions, for example, it is conceivable to provide a single conduit and use various inserted objects in the conduit by replacing them according to the purpose. Can be
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-55-5902
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even in this case, depending on the inserted body, positioning in the longitudinal direction and positioning in the rotational direction protruding from the distal end may be necessary. For example, when inserting a pipe to be cleaned into the endoscope by spraying water or air on the distal end surface of the endoscope by air supply or water supply, the distal end side surface of the inserted pipe is It is necessary to determine the protruding position in the longitudinal direction and the rotational direction so that the provided opening faces the object to be cleaned. In this case, if the inserted tube is simply inserted without positioning the portion of the inserted tube protruding from the endoscope distal end surface, the long inserted tube can be manipulated at hand while the inserted tube is being operated. The opening of the insertion tube must be precisely aimed at the object to be cleaned, and the operation is very difficult. Also, if the inserted tube is protruded too much, there is a possibility that the tissue in the body may be damaged. However, conventionally, there has been no device capable of simultaneously positioning the insertion tube in the longitudinal direction and the rotation direction.
[0007]
In this regard, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 in which a treatment tool insertion passage is provided in an endoscope and a treatment tool such as a snare inserted into the insertion passage regulates the direction of the distal end working portion. . However, in such a device, the longitudinal direction of the treatment tool cannot be restricted, and if the longitudinal direction is restricted depending on the type of the treatment tool, the working efficiency may be rather reduced.
[0008]
For example, in the case of a treatment tool such as a snare that performs incision of the body tissue by removing stones such as gallstones, the treatment tool is protruded with the endoscope protruding while the endoscope is in a position where the incision target is easily visible. Must be able to be freely moved longitudinally to reach In such a treatment tool, if there is a restriction in the longitudinal direction, the endoscope itself must be moved back and forth, and the screen may change, which may lower the work efficiency.
[0009]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to position a longitudinal position and a rotational position of an inserted object protruding from an endoscope distal end surface. It is to provide an endoscope that can be used.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope including a conduit for guiding an inserted object from a conduit opening formed at a distal end portion of the endoscope. An endoscope comprising: a longitudinal direction restricting means for restricting a longitudinal position of a portion protruding from a road opening; and a rotational direction restricting means for restricting a rotational direction position of a part protruding from a conduit opening of an inserted body. A mirror is provided.
[0011]
The inserted body includes a tubular body through which a fluid for cleaning the end surface of the endoscope passes, and a distal end provided at the distal end of the tubular body and having an opening formed in a side surface. The longitudinal direction position is regulated so that at least a portion of the distal end portion of the insertion body where the opening is formed projects from the endoscope channel opening. The position in the rotation direction may be regulated so as to face the direction of the portion to be cleaned on the tip end surface.
[0012]
According to the present invention, a plurality of functions can be achieved only by providing one conduit in the endoscope. In particular, in the present invention, the longitudinal position and the rotational position of the portion protruding from the conduit opening are regulated. When inserting an inserted object such as cleaning water for washing the endoscope distal end surface or a cleaning pipe for blowing air, the opening at the distal end of the inserted object should be inserted. The tip of the endoscope can be accurately directed to the object to be cleaned. That is, the function of the inserted body that needs to be positioned in the longitudinal direction position and the rotational direction position can be sufficiently exhibited. In addition, since the amount of protrusion of the inserted body is regulated, there is no possibility of damaging the tissue in the body, so that the inserted body can be safely mounted on the endoscope.
[0013]
More specifically, a cutout portion having a first cutout surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a second cutout surface along the longitudinal direction is formed on the outer surface of the distal end portion of the inserted body. A locking portion having a first locking surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a second locking surface along the longitudinal direction is formed at the mirror channel opening, and the inserted body is inserted into the endoscope channel. When inserted, the first notch surface of the inserted body notch portion abuts on the first locking surface of the endoscope locking portion to regulate the longitudinal direction, and the endoscope locking portion of the endoscope locking portion. The second notch surface of the inserted object notch may be in contact with the second locking surface to restrict the rotation direction.
[0014]
In this way, the position of the inserted body projecting from the conduit opening of the endoscope is regulated by the cutout surface on the inserted body side and the locking surface on the endoscope side to regulate the longitudinal position and the rotational position. By simply inserting the inserted body into the conduit and inserting the distal end of the inserted body into the conduit opening, the longitudinal position and the rotational position can be easily regulated.
[0015]
Further, the second cutout surface in the cutout of the inserted body is formed continuously at the distal end side of the first cutout surface, and the outer cutout surface of the distal end portion of the inserted body on the distal end side with respect to the second cutout surface is formed. The shape may be formed so as to be smoothly tapered toward the distal end.
[0016]
In this way, by tapering the tip of the inserted tube tip, the tip of the inserted tube tip becomes smaller than the conduit opening. Therefore, when the inserted tube tip is inserted into the conduit opening, It can be easily inserted into the conduit opening. Further, when the inserted tube is further inserted, the distal end portion of the inserted tube is gradually fitted into the conduit opening, and the cutout surface for longitudinal direction regulation on the inserted tube side is engaged with the endoscope side for longitudinal direction locking. The longitudinal direction is positioned in contact with the surface. At the same time, the portion (for example, the L2 portion shown in FIG. 3) of the tip end of the inserted pipe that has formed the rotation direction regulating notch is completely fitted into the conduit opening, and the rotation direction regulating notch on the inserted tube side is also inside. Since it comes into contact with the rotation direction regulating locking surface on the endoscope side, the rotation direction is also determined. Therefore, when inserting the inserted pipe, the tip of the inserted pipe can be more completely fitted into the channel opening more easily, so that the protruding portion of the inserted pipe can be easily positioned.
[0017]
Further, the endoscope includes an endoscope main body provided with at least an observation system and an illumination system, and a cover for mounting the endoscope main body, and a conduit of the endoscope may be formed in the cover. . In this manner, the present invention may be applied to a cover-type endoscope in which the conduit is formed in the cover.
[0018]
Further, the conduit of the endoscope may also serve as a suction path of the suction mechanism. As a result, the inserted body can be used by attaching the inserted body to the conduit of the endoscope, and the suction mechanism can be used by removing the inserted body from the conduit of the endoscope. Can be. Thus, a plurality of functions including the suction operation can be realized.
[0019]
Note that the inserted body may be formed of different materials for the tubular body and the distal end. For example, even if the tubular body is made of a soft material, the tip portion is made of a hard material, so that when the inserted body is inserted into the conduit of the endoscope, it can be easily sent toward the conduit opening.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an endoscope according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the entire endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope 100 is roughly divided into an insertion section 104 inserted into a body cavity, an operation section 102 provided with a base end of the insertion section 104, and a universal cord pulled out from the operation section 102. And a unit 106. A connector 108 is provided at an end of the universal cord portion 106. The universal code section 106 is connected to the processor device 110 by a connector 108.
[0022]
The insertion portion 104 is provided with a conduit 120 for guiding an inserted tube 200 such as a cleaning tube or the like from a conduit opening 124 formed in the distal end portion 130 of the endoscope. The operation unit 102 is provided with an insertion port 122 for inserting the inserted pipe 200 or the like into the conduit 120.
[0023]
The endoscope distal end portion 130 is configured as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a distal end surface of an endoscope distal end portion, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope distal end portion taken along line AA.
[0024]
The endoscope distal end portion 130 includes a distal end portion main body 132. The distal end body 132 is fixed to the distal end of the outer cover 134 of the insertion section 104. On the distal end surface of the endoscope distal end portion 130, that is, on the distal end surface of the distal end portion main body 132, an observation window 136 for capturing an image of the object to be observed, an illumination window 138 for irradiating the object with illumination light, A conduit port 124 is provided for leading the distal end of the inserted body through the conduit 120.
[0025]
An illumination system is connected to the illumination window 138. The illumination system is configured as follows, for example. A light guide (not shown) is connected to the illumination window 138. The light guide extends from the distal end portion 130 of the endoscope into the universal cord portion 106 via the insertion portion 104 and the operation portion 102, and is detachably connected to the processor device 110 via the connector 108. A light source unit (not shown) is provided in the processor device 110, and light from the light source unit is supplied as illumination light to the illumination window 138 via the light guide.
[0026]
An observation system is connected to the observation window 136. The observation system is configured as follows, for example. The observation window 136 is held at the tip of the lens barrel 140. At the rear end of the lens barrel 140, a solid-state imaging device 144 is held via a prism 142. The solid-state imaging device 144 is configured by, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The solid-state imaging device 144 is fixed to the substrate 146. A signal cable 148 from the board 146 extends from the distal end portion 130 of the endoscope into the universal cord portion 106 via the insertion portion 104 and the operation portion 102, and is connected to the processor device 110 via the connector 108. The image of the object to be observed is captured from the observation window 136, and is captured as an image signal to the processor device 110 via the solid-state imaging device 144. The image signal from the solid-state imaging device 144 is processed by the processor device 110 and displayed on the monitor as an image of the object to be observed.
[0027]
A conduit 120 into which the inserted object is inserted is connected to a conduit opening 124 of the distal end main body 132 of the endoscope 100 via a connection pipe 121. In the present embodiment, for example, an inserted pipe 200 for ejecting cleaning water or air for cleaning the endoscope end face is inserted as an inserted object.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 2B, the conduit opening 124 is formed by a hole along the longitudinal direction that opens on the distal end side of the distal end main body 132. The shape of the front end opening of the conduit opening 124 is formed in a substantially D-shape, for example, as shown in FIG. The shape of the outer surface of the portion of the inserted pipe distal end 210 that protrudes from the conduit opening 124 is formed in accordance with the shape of the opening on the distal end side of the conduit opening 124 so that it can be fitted into the conduit opening 124. .
[0029]
A locking portion 125 is formed in the conduit opening 124 on the inner surface of the conduit opening 124 and below the distal end opening. The locking portion 125 locks the inserted pipe distal end portion 210 when the inserted pipe distal end portion 210 is inserted into the conduit opening 124, and the longitudinal position of the portion protruding from the conduit opening 124 and the rotation direction. It regulates the position.
[0030]
More specifically, the locking portion 125 includes a longitudinally-regulating locking surface (first locking surface) 128 formed on the rear end side of the conduit opening 124 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinally-regulating locking surface. A rotation direction regulating locking surface (second locking surface) 126 is formed on the distal end side of the surface 128 and along the longitudinal direction. The rotation direction regulating locking surface 126 constitutes a straight portion below the opening at the end of the conduit opening 124.
[0031]
The locking surface 128 for restricting the longitudinal direction of the locking portion 125 restricts the longitudinal position of a portion (a portion protruding from the distal end surface) of the inserted tube distal end portion 210 that protrudes from the endoscope conduit opening 124. . Further, the rotation direction regulating locking surface 126 regulates the rotational position of a portion of the inserted tube distal end portion 210 that protrudes from the endoscope passageway 124. Details of these longitudinal position and rotational direction position will be described later.
[0032]
Next, the inserted body to be inserted into the conduit 120 of the endoscope will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, for example, an inserted tube 200 for cleaning an observation window 136 at the distal end surface of an endoscope distal end portion 130 will be described as an inserted body.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 1, the inserted pipe 200 includes an inserted pipe main body 204 as a tubular body formed in a tubular shape. An insertion pipe tip 210 is connected to the tip of the insertion pipe main body 204, and an injection port 206 for injecting cleaning water or air is provided at a rear end of the insertion pipe main body 204. The inserted pipe main body 204 and the inserted pipe tip 210 are made of different materials.
[0034]
Here, the configuration of the insertion tube tip 210 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the distal end of the inserted tube, and FIG. 3B is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end of the inserted tube.
[0035]
An opening 212 for ejecting water or air is provided on the side surface of the insertion tube tip 210. The opening 212 is formed on the side surface of a portion (L1) of the inserted tube distal end 210 that protrudes from the distal end surface of the endoscope distal end 130.
[0036]
A communication passage 214 that connects the opening 212 to the inside of the inserted tube main body 204 is formed in the inserted tube distal end portion 210. The washing water or air from the inserted pipe main body 204 changes its direction to the side via the communication path 214 and is discharged from the opening 212.
[0037]
A cutout 225 is formed on the side of the insertion tube distal end 210 opposite to the opening 212. The notch 225 is locked by the locking portion 125 in the conduit opening 124 of the endoscope distal end portion 130 when the inserted pipe distal end portion 210 is inserted into the conduit opening 124 of the endoscope 100. Thus, the longitudinal position and the rotational position of the portion (L1) protruding from the distal end surface of the endoscope distal end portion 130 are regulated.
[0038]
Specifically, the cutout portion 225 is formed by providing a cutout along a longitudinal direction on a part of the side surface of the inserted tube distal end portion 210 from the distal end to a predetermined length (L1 and L2). The notch 225 has a longitudinal direction regulating notch surface (first notch surface) 228 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a rotational direction formed along the longitudinal direction, which is formed on the distal end side of the longitudinal direction regulating notch surface 228 and is continuous with the longitudinal direction. And a regulating notch surface (second notch surface) 226. The rotation direction regulating cutout surface 226 may be formed at least in the L2 portion of the cutout portion 225 along the longitudinal direction of the inserted tube 200.
[0039]
When the inserted pipe tip 210 is inserted into the conduit opening 124, the longitudinal regulating notch surface 228 of the notch 225 is brought into contact with the longitudinal regulating locking surface 128 of the retaining portion 125 of the conduit opening 124. In contact therewith, the longitudinal position of the protruding portion (L1) of the inserted pipe 200 is regulated, and the rotation direction regulating notch surface 226 of the notch 225 is engaged with the rotation direction regulating lock at the locking portion 125 of the conduit opening 124. By contacting the surface 126, the position of the projecting portion (L1) of the inserted tube 200 in the rotation direction is regulated.
[0040]
In order that the inserted tube tip 210 fits into the conduit opening 124 at a position where the opening 212 of the inserted tube tip 210 protrudes, the L2 portion of the inserted tube tip 210 is connected to the endoscope 100 side. Is formed to have the same length as the length of the rotation direction regulating locking surface 126 in the longitudinal direction.
[0041]
Here, the position in the longitudinal direction and the position in the rotational direction of the portion where the inserted pipe distal end 210 protrudes from the conduit opening 124 will be described. In the case where the inserted tube 200 is for cleaning the distal end surface of the endoscope, for example, the longitudinal position and the rotational position of the inserted tube distal end portion 210 are determined depending on the object to be cleaned using the inserted tube 200. It is decided according to.
[0042]
For example, when the inserted tube 200 is for cleaning the observation window 136 on the distal end surface of the endoscope as in this embodiment, at least the opening 212 of the inserted tube distal end portion 210 is provided in the longitudinal direction. The position (L1) where the bent portion (L1) protrudes from the conduit opening 124 (position protrudes from the endoscope distal end surface). The rotational direction position is a position where at least the opening 212 of the inserted tube 200 faces the direction of the observation window 136 of the endoscope distal end portion 130.
[0043]
The shape of the locking portion 125 on the endoscope 100 side and the shape of the notch 225 on the inserted tube 200 side are determined so that the inserted tube tip 210 is positioned at such a longitudinal position and a rotational direction position.
[0044]
Next, the operation when the inserted tube 200 is inserted into the conduit 120 of the endoscope 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 shows the distal end portion of the endoscope in a state where the inserted tube 200 is being inserted into the conduit 120 of the endoscope 100, and FIG. FIG. 2 shows the endoscope end portion in a state where the tube 200 is mounted. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the entire endoscope in a state where the inserted tube 200 is mounted on the conduit 120 of the endoscope 100.
[0045]
When the inserted tube 200 is inserted into the channel 120 from the insertion port 122 of the endoscope 100 shown in FIG. 1, the tip 210 of the inserted tube is moved along the channel 120 as shown in FIG. It is guided to the conduit opening 124 of the tip portion 130. If the inserted tube 200 is kept inserted, the distal end of the inserted tube 200 protrudes from the conduit opening 124 and stops at the position shown in FIG.
[0046]
At this time, the distal end of the inserted tube 200 fits into the channel opening 124 of the endoscope distal end portion 130, and the longitudinally-regulating notch surface 228 of the cutout portion 225 on the inserted tube 200 side is connected to the endoscope 100 side. The longitudinal position of the inserted tube 200 is positioned by abutting on the longitudinal-direction restricting locking surface 128 of the locking portion 125. Specifically, the L1 portion of the insertion tube distal end 210 protrudes from the distal end surface of the endoscope.
[0047]
In addition, the rotation direction regulating notch surface 226 of the notched portion 225 on the inserted tube 200 side abuts the rotation direction regulating locking surface 126 of the locking portion 125 on the endoscope 100 side. Is positioned in the rotation direction. Specifically, the opening 212 in the L1 portion of the insertion tube distal end 210 faces the direction of the observation window 136 on the distal end surface of the endoscope.
[0048]
Thus, when the inserted tube 200 is mounted on the endoscope, the state shown in FIG. 6 is obtained. When cleaning the observation window 136 on the distal end surface of the endoscope, for example, a syringe 150 or the like is attached to the injection port 206 of the insertion tube 200, and washing water or air is injected into the insertion tube 200 by the syringe 150. I do. As a result, the washing water and air are ejected from the opening 212 of the inserted tube tip 210 toward the observation window 136.
[0049]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of functions can be achieved only by providing one conduit in the endoscope. In particular, the longitudinal position and the rotational position of the portion protruding from the conduit opening 124 can be determined. When the insertion tube 200 of the present embodiment, such as a cleaning tube for blowing out cleaning water or air for cleaning the endoscope end face, is inserted, the insertion target body can be regulated. The opening at the distal end can be accurately directed to the object to be cleaned at the distal end surface of the endoscope. That is, the function of the inserted tube 200 that needs to be positioned at the longitudinal position and the rotational position can be sufficiently exhibited. In addition, since the amount of projection of the insertion tube 200 is regulated, there is no risk of damaging the tissue inside the body, so that the insertion object can be safely mounted on the endoscope 100.
[0050]
In addition, the longitudinal position of the portion of the endoscope 100 where the inserted tube 200 protrudes from the channel opening 124 of the endoscope 100 is regulated by the cutout surface 228 for regulating the longitudinal direction of the inserted tube 200 and the longitudinal direction of the endoscope 100. Since the rotation direction position is regulated by the rotation direction regulating notch surface 226 on the insertion tube 200 side and the rotation direction regulation locking surface 126 on the endoscope 100 side, the rotation direction position is regulated by the engagement surface 128. By simply inserting the pipe 200 into the pipe 120 and inserting the inserted pipe tip 210 into the pipe port 124, the longitudinal position and the rotational position can be easily regulated.
[0051]
Note that a suction mechanism for sucking dirt, mucus, and the like in the body cavity may be connected to the conduit 120 of the endoscope into which the insertion tube 200 is inserted, as shown in FIG. In this case, the pipe 120 is also used as a suction path, and the pipe port 124 of the pipe 120 can also function as a suction port.
[0052]
The suction mechanism is configured, for example, as follows. The conduit 120 merges with the suction operation side passage 302 in the operation unit 102, and the suction operation side passage 302 communicates with the suction source side passage 304 via a suction valve 310 provided in the operation unit 102. Thus, the conduit 120, the suction operation side passage 302, and the suction source side passage 304 form a suction path. The suction source side passage 304 passes through the universal cord portion 106 and is connected to a negative pressure source (not shown) via the connector 108.
[0053]
The suction valve 310 controls switching of the connection between the suction operation side passage 302 and the suction source side passage 304. The suction valve 310 includes a valve casing 312 mounted on the operation unit 102 of the endoscope 100, and a valve member 316 that slides in response to a pressing operation of the button 314 inside the valve casing 312.
[0054]
An active surface 318 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the valve member 316, and a side surface through hole 320 is formed on the active surface 318. The bottom of the valve member 316 is open and communicates with the side surface through-hole 320.
[0055]
The suction operation side passage 302 and the suction source side passage 304 are connected to the valve casing 312. When the valve member 316 is slid, the suction operation side passage 302 communicates with the suction source side passage 304 through the side surface through hole 320 of the valve member 316, and is blocked from the suction source side passage 304 by the active / inactivated surface 318. You. The button 314 is urged by an urging member 322 such as a spring to a position where the valve member 316 becomes a position where the valve 316 blocks the suction source side passage 304.
[0056]
As described above, if the endoscope has the suction mechanism connected to the conduit 120, the suction operation can be performed in addition to the endoscope cleaning using one conduit 120. For example, when cleaning the end surface of the endoscope, the inserted tube 200 is inserted from the insertion port 122 of the conduit 120, and the inserted tube 200 is attached to the endoscope 100. Further, when performing a suction operation for sucking dirt, mucus, and the like in the body cavity, the insertion tube 200 is removed from the endoscope 100. Thereby, the pipe 120 and the suction-side passage 302 communicate with each other, and a suction operation can be performed.
[0057]
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the case where the present invention is applied to the endoscope in which the insertion port 122 of the conduit 120 is provided on the distal end side of the operation unit 102 has been described, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applied to an endoscope provided on the rear end side of the operation unit 102 as shown in FIG. With this configuration, the path from the insertion port 122 to the conduit 120 can be made closer to a straight line, so that the inserted pipe 200 can be inserted into the conduit 120 more easily. In addition, since it becomes easier to rotate the insertion tube tip 210 of the insertion tube 200 by hand, the operation of inserting the insertion tube tip 210 into the conduit opening 124 can be performed more easily.
[0058]
Next, an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is an assembly perspective view near the distal end of the endoscope according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a distal end portion of the endoscope according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the distal end portion of the endoscope.
[0059]
The endoscope 400 according to the second embodiment includes an endoscope main body 402 having at least the above-described observation system and illumination system, and forms the conduit 120 in a cover 404 attached to the endoscope main body 402. It was done. The endoscope according to the first embodiment is a case where the conduit 120 is provided in the endoscope main body, whereas the endoscope according to the second embodiment is different from the endoscope main body. The other is a case where the conduit 120 is configured externally.
[0060]
An observation window 136 and an illumination window 138 are provided at a distal end portion 406 of the cover 404. As shown in FIG. 10, a conduit port 124 of the conduit 120 is formed at the tip of the cover 404, and the conduit port 124 is provided with a rotation direction restricting member as in the first embodiment. A locking portion 125 having a locking surface 126 and a locking surface 128 for regulating the longitudinal direction is formed. Note that the configuration of the inserted tube 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0061]
Such an endoscope 400 becomes an endoscope provided with the conduit 120 by attaching the cover 404 to the endoscope main body 402 as shown in FIG. Then, when cleaning the observation window 136 of the cover 404, the inserted tube 200 is inserted into the conduit 120 of the cover 404. Then, the inserted tube distal end 210 is guided along the conduit 120 to the conduit opening 124 of the endoscope distal end 130.
[0062]
If the inserted pipe 200 is kept inserted, the distal end of the inserted pipe 200 protrudes from the conduit opening 124 and stops at the position shown in FIGS. At this time, as in the case of the first embodiment, the distal end of the inserted pipe 200 is fitted into the conduit opening 124 of the cover 404, and the rotation direction regulating notch 226 of the cutout 225 on the inserted pipe 200 side. , The longitudinal direction regulating notch surface 228 abuts against the rotation direction regulating engaging surface 126 and the longitudinal direction regulating engaging surface 128 of the engaging portion 125 on the endoscope 100 side, respectively. The rotational direction position and the longitudinal direction position are respectively positioned.
[0063]
As described above, when the inserted tube 200 is mounted on the conduit 120 of the cover 404, the position in the rotational direction and the position in the longitudinal direction can be reliably determined. Can squirt.
[0064]
As described above, the preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. I understand.
[0065]
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the insertion tube tip 210 may be formed such that the tip is smaller than the size of the opening of the conduit opening 124 and tapers toward the tip. Specifically, when the longitudinal direction is restricted by the longitudinal direction regulating notch surface 228 on the outer surface of the inserted pipe distal end portion 210, the rotation direction regulating notch surface 226 is formed at least in a portion L2 fitted into the conduit opening 124. If formed, the portion L1 on the distal end side may be formed in a tapered shape. For example, the portion L1 on the distal end side may be formed in a conical shape and may be formed so as to be continuous with a portion L2 fitted to the conduit opening 124 with a smooth curve.
[0066]
The shape of the tip of the inserted tube tip 210 is not limited to the conical shape as shown in FIG. 12, but may be changed to the tip shape as shown in FIG. It may be one that is gradually reduced.
[0067]
By tapering the tip of the inserted tube tip 210 in this way, the tip of the inserted tube tip 210 becomes smaller than the conduit opening 124, and the inserted tube tip 210 is inserted into the conduit opening 124. In this case, it can be easily inserted into the conduit opening 124.
[0068]
Further, when the inserted tube 200 is further inserted, the inserted tube tip 210 gradually fits into the conduit opening 124, and the longitudinal direction notch 228 on the inserted tube 200 side becomes the endoscope 100 or 400. The longitudinal direction is positioned by abutting the longitudinal regulating locking surface 128 on the side. At the same time, the L2 portion of the inserted tube distal end 210 is completely fitted into the conduit opening 124, and the rotation direction restricting notch 226 on the inserted tube 200 side is also locked in the endoscope 100 or 400 side. Since it contacts the surface 126, the rotational direction is also determined.
[0069]
Therefore, when inserting the inserted pipe 200, the inserted pipe distal end 210 can be completely fitted into the conduit opening 124 more easily, so that the protruding portion of the inserted pipe distal end 210 can be more easily positioned. .
[0070]
Further, the case has been described where the inserted tube tip portion 210 and the inserted tube main body 204 of the inserted tube 200 are made of different materials, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. You may comprise integrally.
[0071]
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the rotation direction regulating means of the inserted body is positioned by the rotation direction regulating surfaces on the endoscope side and the inserted tube side has been described. A groove may be provided on one of the side and the inserted tube side, and a projection may be provided on the other side. Even in this case, the positioning in the rotation direction can be performed. When a groove or a projection is provided on the inserted tube side, the groove or the projection may be provided, for example, on the L2 portion on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the inserted tube shown in FIG. With this configuration, when the longitudinal direction of the distal end portion of the inserted tube is determined in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments, the rotational direction is simultaneously determined.
[0072]
Further, in the first and second embodiments, a case has been described in which the insertion target tube 200 whose observation object is the observation window 136 is inserted into the conduit 120 of the endoscope 100 as the insertion target. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the inserted tube 500 whose illumination object 138 is to be cleaned may be inserted into the conduit 120 of the endoscope 100 as an inserted object.
[0073]
As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, two opening holes 512 are formed on the side surface of the insertion tube tip 510 provided at the end of the insertion tube main body 504. When the inserted tube 500 is attached to the conduit opening 124 of the endoscope 100, these opening holes 512 are for ejecting cleaning water and air toward the two illumination windows 138, respectively.
[0074]
The inserted tube 500 has a notch 525 configured in the same manner as the notch 225 of the inserted tube 200 described above. That is, the cutout portion 525 is formed along the longitudinal direction so as to be continuous with the longitudinal direction regulating notch surface (first notch surface) 528 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the tip side of the longitudinal direction regulating notch surface 528. And a rotation direction regulating notch surface (second notch surface) 526.
[0075]
The cutout portion 525 is locked by the locking portion 125 in the conduit opening 124 of the endoscope distal end portion 130 when the inserted tube distal end portion 510 is inserted into the conduit opening 124 of the endoscope 100. Thereby, the longitudinal position and the rotational position of the portion protruding from the distal end surface of the endoscope distal end portion 130 are regulated, and the inserted tube 500 is inserted into the conduit 120 of the endoscope 100 and the inserted tube 500 The opening 512 protrudes from the distal end surface of the endoscope and is mounted so as to face the illumination window 138. The tip of the inserted tube 500 may be tapered similarly to the one shown in FIG.
[0076]
As described above, according to the present invention, various inserted objects can be mounted on the conduit 120 of the endoscope 100, and the longitudinal position and the rotational direction position of the inserted object can be regulated. For example, by inserting inserted pipes (for example, inserted pipes 200 and 500) to be washed, the functions thereof can be achieved. Therefore, the present invention is more advantageous than the case where the object to be cleaned is limited, such as an endoscope to which the inserted tube is fixed.
[0077]
Also, in the first and second embodiments, the insertion tube for cleaning the endoscope end face is described as an example of the insertion object whose longitudinal position and rotational position are regulated. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the inserted object may be a treatment instrument such as a high-frequency knife or a papillotome knife. These treatment tools use high frequency to burn off the affected area, but they are integrated with the endoscope body, for example, to prevent cutting unnecessary parts. In some cases, it is better to operate by operation. In this case, the present invention is advantageous in that the rotation direction and the longitudinal direction can be restricted for the treatment tool.
[0078]
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the endoscope provided with one conduit in the direct-viewing type endoscope has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. Instead, any endoscope provided with one conduit may be applied to a side-viewing endoscope, a perspective-type endoscope, or the like.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to cope with further reduction in diameter while realizing a plurality of functions, and when inserting an inserted body into a conduit provided in an endoscope, It is possible to provide an endoscope capable of positioning a longitudinal position and a rotational position of an inserted object protruding from an endoscope end.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an entire endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a configuration of a distal end portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment, wherein FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an endoscope distal end surface, and FIG. It is AA sectional drawing shown to a).
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a configuration of a distal end portion of the inserted tube in the same embodiment, where FIG. 3A is an external view and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal direction.
FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view of the endoscope according to the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the endoscope according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view of the endoscope according to the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the conduit in the endoscope according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another modified example of the conduit in the endoscope according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view showing a configuration near the distal end of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cross section of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a distal end portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment.
12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the distal end portion of the insertion tube according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 12A is an external view and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal direction. .
13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another example of the inserted tube according to the present invention. FIG. 13A is an external view, and FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating the inserted tube shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the endoscope when attached to the endoscope.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 endoscope
102 Operation unit
104 insertion section
106 Universal cord
108 Connector
110 Processor unit
120 pipeline
121 Connection pipe
122 insertion slot
124 pipe entrance
125 locking part
126 Locking surface for rotation direction regulation
128 Longitudinal locking surface
130 Endoscope tip
132 Tip body
134 outer cover
136 observation window
138 Lighting window
140 lens barrel
142 Prism
144 solid-state image sensor
146 substrate
148 signal cable
150 syringe
200 inserted tube
204 Main body of inserted tube
206 Inlet
210 tip of inserted tube
212 opening
214 connecting passage
225 notch
226 Notch for rotation direction regulation
228 Notch for regulating longitudinal direction
302 Suction passage
304 Suction source side passage
310 Suction valve
400 endoscope
402 Endoscope body
404 cover
406 tip
500 inserted tube
504 Inserted pipe main body
510 tip of inserted tube
512 opening
525 Notch
526 Notch for rotation direction regulation
528 Notch for longitudinal regulation

Claims (6)

In an endoscope provided with a conduit for guiding an inserted body through a conduit opening formed at the end of the endoscope,
Longitudinal direction regulating means for regulating a longitudinal position of a portion where the inserted body projects from the conduit opening;
Rotation direction restricting means for restricting a position in the rotation direction of a portion where the inserted body protrudes from the conduit opening;
An endoscope comprising: The inserted body includes a tubular body through which a fluid for cleaning an endoscope distal end surface passes, and a distal end provided at the distal end of the tubular body and having an opening formed in a side surface,
The longitudinal direction regulating means regulates a longitudinal position such that at least a portion of the distal end portion of the inserted body having an opening protrudes from the endoscope channel,
2. The inner rotation device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation direction restricting unit restricts a rotation direction position such that an opening of the inserted body faces a direction of a cleaning target portion on the distal end surface of the endoscope. 3. Endoscope. A notch having a first notch perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a second notch along the longitudinal direction is formed on an outer surface of the tip of the inserted body,
A locking portion having a first locking surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a second locking surface along the longitudinal direction is formed at the endoscope channel opening,
When the inserted body is inserted into the conduit of the endoscope, the first cutout surface of the cutout of the inserted body comes into contact with the first locking surface of the endoscope locking portion. The longitudinal direction is regulated, and the second notch surface of the notched portion of the inserted body comes into contact with the second locking surface of the endoscope locking portion, so that the rotation direction is restricted. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A second notch surface in the notched portion of the inserted body is formed continuously with a tip side of the first notch surface,
4. The inner part according to claim 3, wherein the shape of the outer surface on the distal end side of the distal end portion of the inserted body with respect to the second notch surface is formed to be smoothly tapered toward the distal end direction. Endoscope. The endoscope includes an endoscope body provided with at least an observation system and an illumination system, and a cover for mounting the endoscope body.
The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conduit of the endoscope is formed in the cover. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conduit of the endoscope also serves as a suction path of a suction mechanism.

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